Highest-Paying AWS Certifications in 2026

Explore AWS certifications ranked by advertised salary, from Cloud Practitioner to associate, professional and specialty credentials. Compare architecture, development and security paths, with exam details and preparation options for each stage.

1$175k median salary
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional credential artwork

AWS Solutions Architect Professional

AWS · Exam SAP-C02

Validates knowledge of designing complex multi-account solutions, improving existing workloads, and migrating and modernizing applications using AWS services.

300AdvancedNo prerequisites
2$161k median salary
AWS Certified Security – Specialty credential artwork

AWS Security Specialty

AWS · Exam SCS-C03

Validates knowledge of securing AWS workloads, including threat detection, incident response, infrastructure security, identity, data protection and governance.

300AdvancedNo prerequisites
3$154k median salary
AWS Certified Developer – Associate credential artwork

AWS Developer Associate

AWS · Exam DVA-C02

Validates knowledge of developing, securing, deploying, troubleshooting and optimizing cloud applications using AWS services.

150IntermediateNo prerequisites
4$150k median salary
AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate credential artwork

AWS Solutions Architect Associate

AWS · Exam SAA-C03

Validates knowledge of designing secure, resilient, high-performing and cost-effective cloud solutions using AWS services.

150IntermediateNo prerequisites
5$141k median salary
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner credential artwork

AWS Cloud Practitioner

AWS · Exam CLF-C02

Validates foundational knowledge of cloud concepts, core AWS services, security and compliance, and AWS pricing, billing and support.

100EntryNo prerequisites

Median annual advertised pay in US postings that mention each certification, Sep 2025–Aug 2026. Source